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World Premiere Exhibit Extends Its Stay at Orlando Science Center

GUITAR: The Instrument that Rocked the World on Display until January 2

Orlando, FL – September 13, 2011 – The National GUITAR Museum and the Orlando Science Center have reached an agreement to extend the stay of the world premiere exhibit GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World. The 5,000 square foot display explores the history and evolution of the guitar and shows how the instrument became the cultural symbol it is today.

Since its premiere on June 10, 2011, the exhibit has been driving strong attendance and getting raves from guests which encouraged all parties to keep it on display through the end of the year. GUITAR will wrap up its run in Orlando on January 2, 2012 and then head to the Louisville Science Center. The exhibit is part of a national tour of 15 cities in five years before it settles into its yet to be determined permanent location.

“We have been thrilled with the performance of GUITAR,” says JoAnn Newman, President and CEO of the Orlando Science Center. “Our attendance this summer was up over 20% as compared to the prior year, plus the exhibit constantly provided opportunities for events and promotions. It offers a unique combination of music and science. ”

The exhibition features 60 classic and contemporary guitars as well as engaging and educational displays specific to the guitar, including historical artifacts, models, photos, video screens, interactives, and kiosks. Educational displays explore the science of sound, including how vibrating strings create sound to the physics of guitars and the electromagnetic properties of an electric guitar. The exhibit also features the World's Largest Guitar, certified by Guinness World Records, at 43.5 feet long and 16 feet wide.

GUITAR has been the setting for many live music and guitar-oriented appearances, from the legendary Roger McGuinn at the exhibit’s world premiere to stops by the Taylor Guitar Road Show and the Gibson Tour Bus plus appearances by up-and-coming local talent like guitarists The Baron Sisters, Emily Copp, the Garbage Men and Alex Ivanov as well as more well-known strummers like Muriel Anderson, Dave Flett, and Angelo Jannotti.

"We are extremely excited about extending the exhibit’s stay in Orlando," said HP Newquist, the executive director and founder of The National GUITAR Museum (NGM). “This has been a great partnership, and the OSC has proven to be the perfect venue for hosting our world premiere. Going forward, we’re planning a few more surprises to make this opportunity unforgettable for every visitor.”

New pieces will be added soon to the exhibit, including unusual instruments like the charango, a guitar made out of armadillo shells that is popular in remote areas of South America. Other noteworthy additions include a futuristic guitar known as the XOX Handle, which is a guitar stripped down to a carbon fiber skeleton and The Octagon, handbuilt by DGN Guitars, which is the world's only guitar with eight complete playable instruments built into it. This remarkable instrument will be unveiled for the first time at the Orlando Science Center. In addition, live music will continue to be a fixture in the exhibit until it concludes its stay. Further exhibit updates will be posted to the Science Center’s website and Facebook page.

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World is included with general admission to the Orlando Science Center, which is $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11). Tickets also include access to live science shows, exhibits, and giant screen films. For more information, please call 407-514-2000.

About The National GUITAR Museum The National GUITAR Museum, LLC (NGM) is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the guitar. Its Touring Exhibition, GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World will travel to 15 cities over the next five years before becoming the basis of The National GUITAR Museum in its permanent home.

The NGM's board is comprised of individuals drawn from the music, technology, event, and museum communities. Current advisors include guitar greats Steve Vai, Johnny Winter, Steve Howe, Liona Boyd, and Ritchie Blackmore. The Executive Director of the Museum is HP Newquist.

National partners who will be promoting and supporting the Museum and the Touring Exhibition include Channel One, Mojo Music, Guitar Center, Premier Guitar, Guitar Player Magazine, and TrueFire Media.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER, A FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH2342), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.